Even without the suspended Cliff Hodge, the Meralco Bolts still got the job done on defense against the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Philippine Cup.
There’s no doubt in Luigi Trilo’s mind Cliff Hodge is a valuable piece in Meralco’s defense that has rest of the league spend long hours in film room finding ways to break it down for many years now.
Trillo was reminded of that in the Bolts’ 103-85 win over Blackwater in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Wednesday, May 21.
“I think for us we realized na si Cliff kasi is 'yung backbone namin sa depensa,” said Trillo.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Cliff Hodge, Magnolia assistant coach fined, suspended after bench-clearing incident]
Hodge was of course serving a one-game suspension after what appeared like a wrestling-like foul on Zavier Lucero in their 92-117 loss to Magnolia last May 14.
For such act, the PBA also meted the hardworking forward a P100,000 fine. Meanwhile, Hotshots assistant coach Mon Jose was also slapped with a one-game suspension and a P20,000 fine.
Trillo said the move was uncalled for, that’s why he is glad the 37-year-old Hodge had since apologized to Lucero.
“You know, Cliff’s a warrior. First of all, he apologized. I think if you see the replay binitawan nya at the last minute,” he said.
“But it’s uncalled for what he did. He’s got family. We’re glad he apologized.”
But even sans the Meralco’s defensive anchor, the Bolts still got the job done on that end.
“Everybody chipped in today, makikita mo we didn’t have any heads down. We didn’t see any quit. I think the psyche of the boys were much better this game,” said Trillo.
Hodge and the Bolts return to action on Sunday, May 25 as they tackle NLEX at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.